><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 7:1-8:19 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What was God's part in Noah's salvation, and what was Noah's? Cf Eph 2:8,Phil2:12,13;I Pet1:5 2) In the ark Noah was not saved from being affected by the Flood at all, but he was brought safely through it. Cf 'saved through water' I Pet3:20 In what similar way does the gospel of Christ offer us salvation from God's judgement upon sin? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 7:1-8:19 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) It is important that (v5), "And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him." Obedience! God did the rest. Baptism, which the flood symbolizes, is not a way of entering into a relationship of faith in Christ, but is related to it (NIV study Bible, 1715). It is a graphic depiction of our dying and being raised again with Christ. The Christian's soul, I think, should be like the land after the flood - transformed, new, peaceful and bearing fruit. The old world of sinfulness was done away with, and should be in the child of God's life too. Therefore, we should not let sin reign in our lives. Romans 6:6-7, "For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died HAS BEEN FREED FROM SIN." May me live like free men and women in Christ. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 7:1 - 8:19 Saved Through the Water 7:1 "Then the Lord said to Noah, 'Enter the ark, you and all your household; for you alone I have seen to be righteous before Me in this time.'" The Flood separated the righteous man from the evil world. I Peter 20-21 "Who once disobedient, when the patience of god kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. [21] And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you - not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience - through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Mark 16:16 "He who has believed and been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned." Noah believed that flood would come to judgment the world and he built the Ark and entered in it to separate from the punishment. The Ark saved Noah and his family from God's judgment, the destruction of the world by the flood. The water saved them from the corrupted generation and separated them unto a new age, just as the water of the Red Sea did to the children of Israel and the water of baptism to the New Testament believers. The flood delivered Noah and his family out of the old manner of life into a new environment; in like manner the water of baptism delivers us out of the inherited vain manner of life into a resurrected life. There are extensive researches done about the Flood. It would be good, if we have time to study them. As Christians, we need to weigh our priorities to live our lives focusing on our goal and aim on the target. That is why Paul told us not to waste time on our family genealogy. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) God provided the way, the means and the direction for salvation, Noah's only response was to believe in faith. God even sealed the ark closed. This is a symbol of our role in the salvation through Jesus Christ. Many times we hear the phrase have you 'found Jesus'. This statement is a sad one that shows our lack of understanding of the gospel of Christ's salvation. We play no part in the finding. It is God who chooses us - Why? That is a good question, a better one is why would a holy and righteous God choose anyone? All I can say is to reiterate the Psalmist (the man after God's own heart - David) 'He has mercy upon whom He has mercy'. Christ is not lost - rather, it is we who are lost. Our only part in salvation is our faith. Even that is ordained by God, since He chooses those to whom He will reveal himself. May we realize each one that apart from God's mercy we would be doomed to the destruction and death of the Flood like all the other unrighteous ones. 2) Like the Flood, our acceptance of salvation does not remove us from the living of life in this world. We still must deal with the 'floods' in our own lives. But, Jesus promised us that 'I will never leave you or forsake you' in John 14:18 18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. He also promised His Peace John 14:27 27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. May we rejoice that though we face trials and tribulations, Jesus is always by our side! May we cling to Him as our security in times of hardship. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 8:20-9:29 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What did Noah's altar and burnt offerings signify? To what would they correspond in our lives today? Cf Rom 12:1 Heb 13:15,16 2) Relfect on Noah's position after the deluge. In what ways did God encourage him? 3) What makes human life supremely precious? WHat kind of penalty is here ordained for the murderer? 4) What may we learn here concerning the place and manner of covenant making? Can you think of other visible tokens and pledges which seal covenants? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 8:20-9:29 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1-4) Noah offered to THE LORD, an act of worship. God showed that he was pleased with Noah's offering by promising to never again destroy all living creatures. It reminds me that Christ's death on the cross, the ultimate sacrifice, secured eternal life and victory over death for me. God was pleased with Christ, and that is enough to save me. It is Christ, not my works or choice. We also see here the value of human life, the justification for "capital punishment". When God makes a covenant, it is solid and forever. He uses specific terms, "never again", "with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you..." The rainbow served as a sign/reminder. It is a delightful and fascinating story about the rainbow. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 8:20 - 9:29 "While the Earth Remains, ---" 8:22 This statement tells us that the earth will, one day, pass away. II Peter 3:10 "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up." Matthew 24:35 Jesus said "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away." Chapter 9 The Covenant to Mankind The Covenant of the Rainbow was made with the world, not for Jews only. The New World Order No. 1 - Do not Take Blood 9:3-4 "Every moving thing that is alive shall be food for you; I give all to you, as I gave the green plant. [4] Only you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood." In Deut. 14:3-21, the Law of Moses, the Lord told Jews not to eat any unclean animal. It established the special relation between God and Israelites. The New World Order No. 2 - Do not Kill 9:6 "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man." In Matthew 26:52, Jesus coded this verse by saying "---Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword." Meanwhile, man was made in the image of God and reflects the glory of God, I Cor. 11:7. No one should destroy the glory of God. The New World Order No. 3 - Be Fruitful and Multiply In 9:7, Life Application Bible reads "Yes, have many children and repopulate the earth and subdue it." The Tragedy of Ham and Canaan, 9:20-29 The Bible did not give the details of this issue and we take what is revealed to us. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Noah's altar and burnt offerings served as a thanks offering to God. He took one of every clean animal AND bird. This is interesting that he would do since there were so few animals left anyhow, but still, Noah took the firstfruits of the New World to offer to God a thank offering. If we remember originally he took 7 pair of every clean animal and bird into the ark. 2) Noah was in the position of being the pioneer of a new world. He was a sort of second Adam. God encouraged him through the promise of the rainbow. 3) Human life is precious because we were made 'in the image of God'. Thus when a human life is taken, the image of God is destroyed. Death is the penalty for murder established here by God. 4) A convenant is a binding agreement between two or more parties. All parties agree to be bound by the rules of the covenant and all parties enter into the covenant on their own will, even if there is an outside motivation. God reestablished some things within the neighborhood of earth residential covenant. He had established the first one with Adam, and was now reaffirming it and perhaps adding ammendments to it to include some actions that we learned of to date. 3 items of the New Covenant: a) NO DRINKING BLOOD Blood is life, and is forbidden to be taken. b) NO MURDER Life is given by God and created in His image. c) BE FRUITFUL AND MULTIPLY God designed for us to procreate. When we close a covenant or deal we close it with a signature, a seal, a ring, a mark, a paper, or some visible representation of ours. Many cultures such as the Chinese have marking signature blocks which represent an individuals signature as much as his own handwriting. God sealed the New Covenant with his signature in the sky. He put 'His bow' upon the sky every time He brings clouds over the earth(rain clouds) it will be shown. This is a beautiful seal of the promise and contract between God the property manager and us the residents of the neighborhood of earth. Praise and worship be given to the World's Property Management Corp. (Father, Son, Spirit)! ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 10:1-11:9 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What does Gn 10 teach about the origins of the nations and about their relation to one another and to God? Cf Acts 17:26, Rom 3:29 2) See 11:1-9. What was wrong with the attitude and activity of these men? What kind of judgement does God bring on those who seek supposed success in their way rather than in His way? See Ps 2:1-4;Lk 11:23 cf Gn3:22-24;Is 14:12-15;contrast Jn 11:49-52;esp v52 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 10:1-11:9 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) It is amazing how the clans of Noah's sons formed the nations of the earth after the flood. Each also had their own language. The famous story of the people of Babel shows God's judgement on man's pride. They wanted to build the highest tower that could reach to th heavens, but the Lord confused them and scattered them over all the earth. Pride really does come before a fall. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 10 Genealogy of the Sons of Noah The Descendants of Japheth, 10:2-5 "God shall enlarge Japheth" (Application of philosophy; Development of the scientific method; responsible for man's mental well-being) Gomer [Germany] Magog, Tubal and Mechech [Russia] Madai [Persia] Javan [Greece] Tiras [Italy] Togarmah [Armenia] Tarshish [Spain] Kittim [Cyprus] The Descendants of Ham, 10:6-20 "A servant of servants" (Technical proficiency; responsible for man's physical well-being) Cush [Ethiopia] Mizraim [Egypt] Phut [Africa] Canaan [the Canaanites of Palestine] Minrod [Babylon and Assyria] Sidon [Phoenicia] Heth [Hittites] Jebus [the Jebusites, the occupants of Jerusalem prior to David's reign] Pilistim [the Philistines] Sin [possible founder of the oriental peoples, China, Japan, India, etc.] The Descendants of Shem 10:21-32 "Blessed be the Lord God of Shem" (Religious insights; responsible for man's spiritual well-being) Through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: Israel; Through Abraham, Ishmael, and Esau: the Middle East Arab countries. {Willmington's Guide to the Bible} The Tower of Babel, 11:1-9 A symbol of man's sinful pride and rebellion, The structure was built to satisfy the people's vanity: "Let us make a name for ourselves" 11:4. The pyramid-like tower was expected to reach heaven. The tower was built of bricks, because no stones were available. God intervened to prevent the builders of Babel from partaking of the power and glory; The language of the builders was confused. Confusion of language is God's punishment to people after the flood. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Genesis 10 shows us the dispersion of peoples across the earth. It is interesting to note that the Caananites(those who would eventually be a thorn in the side of the Israelites after the Exodus) were descendents of Ham. Perhaps their rebellion is linked to the curse on Ham by Noah for the seeing of his nakedness. 2) It is interesting to note the reasoning behind the tower of Babel. The men of earth gathered together to make a name for themselves. Pride was the motivation for them to build the tower. In doing so, they wanted to show how strong they were. God knew this would be a bad thing and so decided to confuse the languages of men and split them apart. God has his plan for us, and we need to seek His will, not our own. In seeking our own way, we may encounter confusions that are placed to teach us life lessons. May we seek His most perfect will for our daily lives. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 11:10-13:4 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Consider the inseperable intermingling of command and promise in God's call to Abram. How, in consequence, did Abram's faith express itself? Cf Heb 11:8. Compare and contrast Gn 11:31 with 12:5. In what ways is a similar response demanded by the gospel of Christ? 2) In what two respects did Abram's faith fall short under the test of famine and fear? When he acted unworthily how was he rebuked? What may we learn from Gn 13:3,4 Cf Rev 2:5. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 11:10-13:4 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) In the call, the Lord says "GO TO THE LAND I WILL SHOW YOU." Then He says, "I will..." five times. That is not a command to be disobeyed, and Abram had faith in the Lord and did it. Hebrew ch 11 praises Abraham's faith to go even though he did not know where he was going. Do we trust our mighty God to lead where we do not know??? That takes real faith - tried and true. Although Abram should have called on the Lord before seeking relief from famine and before entering Egypt. Perhaps then he would not have complicated things so much. Praying at the very moment of anxiety is important and crucial (Phil 4:6-7, my watchverse as I go through school). -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 11:10 - 13:4 Patriarchal History Started From Genesis 1:1 - 11:9 is the primeval history. It ended with the arrogance of man. Then, God created confusion among them with different languages; scattered them all over the world; separated them in nations and made them enemies. Now we come to part two of Genesis: patriarchal history to the end of this book. 11:10 - 25 is the genealogy of Shem to Terah. It recorded all first born sons with their names. Others were identified only as sons and daughters. Birthright is emphasized here. When it comes to Terah's sons, Verse 11:26, three sons were mentioned: Abram, Nabor and Haran. In order for Abram to take Lot out of Ur together, God took Haran's life. The reason God called Abram out of Ur was because people there worshipped gods; such as Nannar, the Moon-god, and Ningal, Moon-god's wife, etc. (Halley's Handbook) Ur was a seaport on the Persian Gulf, at the mouth of the Euphrates River. Abram was called to go to Canaan. But he stopped at Haran, 700 miles north of Ur. He lived there until his father passed away and had no excuses not to proceed to Canaan. Abraham is known as the father of faith. When God establishes a man, He lowers the man to the lowest stand first for his to know that He is the Almighty. The embarrassment that Abram experienced in Chapter 12 made him know who God is and what He can do to protect him. Incidentally, the famine drove Abram to Egypt. Abram could blame God for all the situations. However, God would tell him simply "you of little faith." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) We move into what is known as the Patriarchal period in the book of Genesis. Up to now we have dealth with the Creation and development of the earth. Now the focus turns from the earth to man himself. Abram expressed his faith through action. The only demonstration possible when one's faith is TRUE. Because he believed and trusted God, he acted upon the Lord's commands and His direction. The gospel of Christ requires a similar response from us. God gives us 2 revelations. First, He must reveal Himself to us. This is given to all men - Roman 1:16-20 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. The next revelation is one God chooses to make to certain ones (He has mercy upon whom He has mercy). This is the revelation of Christ as Saviour of the World. The only possible response to this is either acceptance or rejection. If we accept Christ as Saviour, our only logical response is to act on that acceptance and faith through action of belief. A change in our lifestyle, a rebirth/new life that is different and unique from the old one we lived prior to the revelation. 2) Abram did not trust God to handle his provision of food. Instead of trusting in God, Abram moved on to Egypt, not where God wanted him. His safety when entering Egypt was another area Abram did not give up to God. He was afraid that he would be killed so that they could take Sarai his wife. God rebuked him by causing plagues in Egypt, then Pharaoh rebuked him by sending him away. He was sent back to the place he had started from. There Abram renewed his faith and called on God again. Rev 2:5 4 'But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 'Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place--unless you repent. Have we too lost that first love, that fresh faith of our early conversion? That zeal with which to serve the Lord. We must challenge ourselves daily to renew our love to the Lord, to call on Him, to thank Him for His provision and ask Him for His help. Let us not lose heart and rely on our own means and methods, but trust in the ways of the Lord. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 13:5-14:24 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Put yourself in Lot's place when Abram's offer was made to him. What was the motive that decided his choice, and how did it end? WHat did Abram lose by letting Lot choose first? Cf Mat16:25 2) What fresh light do the events of Chp14 throw on Abram's character? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 13:5-14:24 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) As logical beings, all of us would have chosen the better land, as Lot did. It just shows that having the Lord's blessing means far more than having human good judgement. Abram was a shrewd man in many ways, this encounter with king Sodom just proves that. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 13:5 - 14:24 13:5 - 18 Abram and Lot Separated There was strife between herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the Lot's because of the land could not sustain the increase of their livestock. Then, Abram settled the case by asking his nephew to make the first choice of where he would like to raise his cattle and told Lot that as "brothers", they should not fight for feeding ground. Lot is Abram's nephew (Abram's brother Haran's son. Lot's father died in earlier age and he was brought up by Abram) and yet Abram called him "brother". It shows that Abram realized our position as children of God in His kingdom. Lot left Bethel and resided on the east bank of Jorden River near the south end of the Dead Sea. His selection was based on the geographical advantage and material needs that "the valley of the Jordan was well watered everywhere,"13:10. He did not pay attention to "the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the Lord." 13:13. It teaches us a lesson that wherever we move to and the living environments affect our spiritual lives as Christians. After Abram received the Promised Land, "Then, Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the oaks of Manre, which are in Hebron, and there he built an alter to the Lord." 13:18. Canaanites, in that territory, used to worship the pagan gods with sacrifices offered on an alter under large trees. Now, Abram built new alters under those large trees to call upon the true God to replace the false gods alters. No wonder he was called "friend of God". Chapter 14:1-16 First Biblical Battle When five kings of Dead Sea area revolted against ChedorLaomer, King of Elam and the three allies (four kings), the Dead Sea five nations were wiped out and Lot was also taken captive among them. Then, Abram came immediately to rescue Lot, his possessions and also the women and the people. Abram's victory saved Lot from slavery in Sodom. It also delivered the Canaanites from Elamites' control. It is God's plan and grace to save Lot and the ungodly Canaanites. 14:17-24 Melchizedek - The King of Salem Upon risked his life together with his 318 trained fighters', King of Jerusalem came to communion with Abram and offered him wine and bread. Melchizedek is a king, a prophet and a priest. In the New Testament text, we found that Jesus is also referred as a king, a prophet and a priest. Abram set the example to give a tenth of all to Mechizedek to show his appreciation. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In this chapter we see that if the Lord's blessing is upon you, even things that seem to be 'bad deals' in human terms can turn into fountains of blessing. By giving Lot the first choice, Abram was following the prime kingdom principle of Christ - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. By self- sacrificing, he turned out in the end to receive the greater blessing. May each of us remember that sometimes as in Matt 16:25, we need to be last to be first. We need to humble ourselves to be lifted up in God's eyes. 2) Chapter 14 gives us the first recorded battle. This was a raid to get Lot back. Abram risked his 'trained' men(318) to return Lot's freedom. If he had not taken action, Lot would have been subjected to the life of a slave. We see his shrewdness in action spurred on by his mercy. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 15 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) How are God's words in v1 exactly related to Abram's circumstances and condition? 2) IN utterly hopeless human circumstances (see Gn 11:30;15:3) how did Abram obtain hope of having descendants? What else did he gain by such response? What principle of the gospel of Christ does this illustrate? Cf ROm 4:2-5,13-25 3) WHat ground for his faith did God give to Abram? Why did God also make a convenant with Abram? Note the use of a visible token and pledge. Cf Heb 6:13- 18. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 15 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2,3) v6 "Abram believed the Lord, and He credited to him as righteousness". We Must have FAITH. Heb 11:6, "And without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must BELIEVE that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" The smoking firepot with blazing torch represented God's presence, and passing between the sacrifice pieces was an ancient custom for parties to make a covenant official. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 15 God's Protection and Great Reward "Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great." 15:1b The reward from God is life extension and reproduction. "Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them. --- So shall your descendants be." 15:5 "Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness" 15:6 Man is not made righteous by his own works, but only by faith in God's provision. In 15:17, God revealed Himself to Abram "---there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces." Then, the Lord made a covenant with Abram to give land to his descendants. 5:18-19. This is the promise of a chosen nation - it consists of the people and land. All these events are the preparation of the birth of Jesus Christ. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Abram had just been in battle, the first recorded historical battle. God was telling him that He would be with Him, would lead him and protect him. Psalm 3 tells us similarly with David. 1 ¶ <> O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me. 2 Many are saying of my soul, "There is no deliverance for him in God." Selah. 3 But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. 4 ¶ I was crying to the LORD with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah. 5 I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustains me. 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me round about. 7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked. 8 Salvation belongs to the LORD; Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah. Let us take comfort that God is a shield about us, the lifer of our head. 2) Abram had faith that God would provide. This faith was his salvation, it was the catalyst for His belief and service of God Most High. 3) God made a covenant with Abram to seal the promise. To declare that it would happen. I am reminded of a song by the late Rich Mullins that speaks of this leading of the Lord in Abram's life and assures that God is leading us step by step in His path. ------------------------------------ Sometimes by Step - by Rich Mullins. Verse 2 Sometimes I think of Abraham how one star he saw had been lit for me he was a stranger in this land and I am that, no less than he and on this road to righteousness sometimes the climb can be so steep I may falter in my steps but never beyond your reach REPEAT CHORUS Oh God you are my God, and I will ever praise you and I will follow you all of my days and I will follow you all of my days and step by step You'll lead me and I will follow You all of my days and I will follow You all of my days